Rail Fastening Base Plate With Push-On Spring Clip Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail fastening systems require multiple components and are not effective in addressing the need to forms holes in the base plate or the support.
Innovation Solution
A rail fastening system comprising a base plate configured to sit on a portion of the support with a first recess for receiving a length of a rail and a plurality of spring clips to clamp the base plate between the rail and the support, eliminating the need for secondary restraining or fastening devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rail fastening systems use base plates with secondary fastening devices and penetration methods, then the rail can be securely fastened to the support, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the base plate component entirely from the fastening system. Instead of using a base plate with secondary fasteners, the system directly engages the rail with clips that attach to the support, eliminating the intermediate base plate layer and simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into discrete clip units that can be independently installed along the rail. Each clip is a separate component that can be applied individually, allowing for modular installation and easier maintenance compared to a unified base plate system
2Reliability
If base plates are penetrated with holes for fasteners, then secondary fastening devices can be used to secure the rail, but the base plate structure is compromised and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the base plate structure entirely, removing the need for holes, penetrations, and secondary fastening devices. The support structure itself is used directly as the mounting surface, simplifying both the base plate design and the overall fastening system
Solution Approach 2:
The function of the base plate and the fastening mechanism are merged into a single integrated clip component. The clip simultaneously provides the mounting function (attaching to support) and the fastening function (securing the rail), eliminating the need for separate base plate and fastener components
3Reliability
If multiple secondary fastening devices are used to retain the rail, then the rail can be securely fastened, but the number of components and installation steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system uses multiple discrete clip units spaced along the rail, where each clip is a simple, identical component. This segmentation allows for rapid, repetitive installation of uniform units rather than dealing with a complex multi-component system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching fasteners to a base plate and then to the rail, the system inverts the approach by having the clips attach directly to the support structure and then engage the rail. This reversal eliminates the need for multiple secondary fastening devices and simplifies the installation sequence
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively fastens the rail to the support using spring clips, providing a secure and efficient attachment without penetrating the base plate or support, and allowing for easy installation with a simple one-directional motion.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spring clips each arranged to clamp the base plate between the rail and the support
Data Source
AI summary
A rail fastening system (10) comprises a base plate (12) configured to sit on a support (14) and having a first recess 16 for receiving a length of a rail (18). The system (10) also includes a plurality of spring clips (20i) and (20t) arranged to clamp the base plate (12) between the rail (18) and the support (14); and in doing so fasten the rail (18) to the support (14). A resilient rail pad (21) may be placed in the recess (16) prior to the recess receiving the rail (18), so that the rail (18) sits on top of the rail pad (21). The plate (12) is not secured to the support before application of the clips. The clips are applied by pushing them over the base plate in direction perpendicular to the extent of the rail.